Jeff McInnis's New Place

Jeff McInnis might be best known as the towheaded hottie on Season 5 of Top Chef, but the man has also shown his culinary chops as executive chef at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach's Dilido Beach Club and, most recently, as chef de cuisine at midtown noodle bistro Gigi. With deep roots in traditional Southern cooking (he was born in the quaint-sounding town of Niceville, Florida), McInnis has been busy planning his new endeavor, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. Featuring high-end takes on classic comfort food, Yardbird is committed to using proteins and produce from small farms (local whenever possible). Much buzz has been made of this restaurant, which will boast a full bourbon bar. Experience McInnis's fried chicken, sweet-tea-brined Southern ribs, and shrimp 'n' grits when Yardbird celebrates its grand opening October 3. Mon., Oct. 3, 11 a.m., 2011

Laine Doss is the food and spirits editor for Miami New Times, covering the restaurant and bar scene in South Florida. She has been featured on Cooking Channel’s Eat Street and Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race. Doss won an Alternative Weekly award for her feature on what it’s like to wait tables. In a previous life, she appeared off-Broadway and shook many a cocktail as a bartender at venues in South Florida and New York City. When she’s not writing, you can find Doss running some marathon then celebrating at the nearest watering hole.